HARUKO MITANI (OKANO)

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HARUKO MITANI (nee OKANO) Peacefully, on Wednesday, January 26, 2005, at West Park Manor, Haruko passed away at the age of 91 years. Born in Vancouver on February 27, 1914, she grew up in Haney, BC, and married Tamotsu in November 1934. The Mitani family moved to Manitoba in 1942 and settled in Winnipeg in May 1943. Haruko worked as a seamstress at various local companies and, together with Tamotsu, founded Goodwill Radio TV in 1949. She continued to manage the business after her husband's untimely passing in 1963. She finished her working career at the Hudson's Bay Company, retiring in 1979. Travelling extensively in her retirement years, Haruko visited Japan, Europe, Great Britain, the United States, and the Caribbean. She was a lifelong member of Knox United Church (Japanese Ministry) and an avid supporter of the Manitoba Japanese Canadian Citizens' Association, the Manitoba Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, and the Horizon's Club. Haruko was predeceased by husband Tamotsu; brothers, Norman and Russel; sister Tazuko Hamada; and granddaughter Jessica Erin. She is survived by daughter Florence; sons, Edward and Brian (Irene); grandchildren, Michael and Adrianne; brother Kazuo (Aiko) Okano; in-laws, Hisao Hamada, Irene Okano, Hiroshi (Mitsue) Mitani, Tatsue Okamoto, Sue (Min) Namba, and Amy Eng; and numerous nieces and nephews. Many thanks to the staff of West Park Manor for their compassion and kindness. The memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 30 at 2:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway, with Rev. David Murata of Knox United Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manitoba Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 180 McPhillips St., Winnipeg, MB R3E 2J9 or to a charity of your choice. THOMSON Funeral Home - 669 Broadway - 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 28, 2005